A massive political uproar was sparked when Agniveer Amritpal Singh received no guard of honour from the military on Friday during his last rites in Punjab's Mansa district. Agniveer Amritpal Singh, 20, served the nation with a battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in the Poonch sector. On October 11, Agniveer Amritpal Singh reportedly died due to bullet injuries. However, a political uproar was sparked when the mortal remains of Agniveer Amritpal Singh were taken to his native village with only one junior commissioned officer and four other ranks officers accompanying it. Also, no Indian Army honour was given when he was cremated on Friday. As a result, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha lambasted the Centre and the Agniveer scheme raising questions on the BJP as to why was he not given the title of martyr or any military honours.
Now, Indian Army has finally revealed what happened to Agniveer Amritpal Singh and why Agniveer Amritpal Singh was not given military's guard of honour?
Agniveer Amritpal Singh's death reason
Issuing a detailed statement on its official X handle, formerly known as Twitter, Indian Army wrote, "Unfortunate Death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh on 11 Oct 2023. There has been some misunderstanding and misrepresentation of facts related to unfortunate death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh. Further to the initial information given out by White Knight Corps on 14 Oct 2023, following additional details are shared to clear the perspective. It is a grave loss to the family and the Indian Army that Agniveer Amritpal Singh committed suicide by shooting himself while on sentry duty."
"In consonance with the existing practice, the mortal remains, after conduct of medico - legal procedures, were transported under Army arrangements alongwith an escort party to the native place for the last rites. Armed Forces do not differentiate between the soldiers who joined prior to or after implementation of the Agnipath Scheme as regards entitled benefits and protocols.
"Unfortunate instances of death arising out of suicide/ self inflicted injury, irrespective of the type of entry, are accorded due respect by the Armed Forces along with deep and enduring empathy with the family. Such cases, however, are not entitled Military Funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967, in vogue.
"Policy on the subject has been consistently followed ever since, without any discrimination. As per data held, there has been an average yearly loss ranging between 100 - 140 soldiers since 2001 where deaths occurred due to suicides / self inflicted injuries, and Military Funeral in such cases was not accorded. The disbursement of financial assistance / relief, as per entitlement, is given due priority including immediate financial relief for conduct of funerals.
"Such unfortunate instances of loss bear heavy on the family and the Forces as a fraternity. During such times, it is important and incumbent on the society to uphold the respect, privacy and dignity of the family while empathising with them in their moment of grief.
Armed Forces are known for adherence to the policies and protocols and will continue to do so as hithertofore. The Indian Army requests support of all sections of the society while it follows its established protocols."
It is pertinent to mention here that a Court of Inquiry would be held to ascertain more details on Agniveer Amritpal Singh's case of death which is currently in progress. Notably, Agniveer Amritpal Singh's last rites were conducted with the State's Guard of Honour rather than the military'.
Punjab CM Bhagwant announces Rs 1 core financial assistance for Agniveer Amritpal Singh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that the state government will give Rs 1 crore compensation to family of martyr Amritpal Singh as per its policy.
In a statement issued here, the Chief Minister said that the center may adopt any policy towards the martyrs of the country but his government is committed to honour the families of such sons of soil. He said that as per the policy of state government the family of martyr Amritpal Singh will be given financial assistance worth Rs 1 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this cheque would be soon handed over to the aggrieved family.
The Chief Minister slammed the union government for meting out straight step-motherly treatment with the family of a martyr, who had laid down his life while serving to preserve the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country. He said that this is totally unwarranted and undesirable adding that disrespect to the martyrdom of a great son is highly condemnable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he will soon flag up this issue with the Government of India.
What is the Agniveer Scheme?
For the unversed, the Agniveer Scheme was announced in June 2022 for recruitment in the armed forces. The scheme is meant only for recruiting soldiers and not officers in the forces. The soldiers recruited under this Agneepath scheme are known as Agniveers. Notably, when the Agniveer Scheme came into effect, opposition slammed the Central Government and even violent protests took place in many States of the country.
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